On the evening of April 4th, under the glow of gym lights, an unusual chase unfolded. Shadows danced, laughter echoed, and somewhere in the chaos—a rogue piece of bacon tried to make its escape. But its pursuers were relentless. Puppies, swift and determined, charged after their prize while the audience watched in delighted suspense.
Of course, this wasn’t a daring midnight heist—it was Cookies the Musical, our beloved spring concert where elementary students transformed into puppies, cookies, and chefs. And at the heart of the hilarity? Our much-loved band teacher, Caleb Smith, playfully pursued by a pack of enthusiastic young performers.
Led by Solomon music teacher John Luce, guests were treated to a delightful concert packed with catchy songs and audience interaction. Several students showcased their talent in unique speaking roles, adding even more charm to the performance.
In one memorable scene, chefs battled it out with puppies eager for cookies, bringing energy and excitement to the stage. Luce and his students worked tirelessly to prepare for this show stopping event, resulting in several wins for the night.
“I was pleased with the 2nd graders because they worked hard to remember their lines and deliver them in front of such a large audience," Luce shared. "I was also impressed by the PreK students, who confidently delivered cookies to all the tables while using problem-solving skills to find where they were needed.”
Following the performance, the Solomon Gorilla Foundation hosted its annual Pizza Bingo event, a tradition that brings families together for an evening of fun while supporting our school.
By combining the PreK-2nd grade concert with Pizza Bingo, the event shines a spotlight on the arts for our youngest students while encouraging the community to rally behind them.
This year, through pizza combos and bingo card sales, the foundation raised an incredible $2,100! These funds will help kickstart the 2025-26 school year, ensuring students and staff have the resources they need to thrive.
Board President Kelly VanDeCreek expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support, “Thank you to all the donors, parents, and community members who continue to support the Solomon Gorilla Foundation. Your generosity and involvement made Pizza Bingo a great success, and we truly appreciate your commitment to our mission. Together, we are making a difference!”
We are so honored to have a supportive staff who encourage our bright young minds, helping them step out of their comfort zones and gain confidence. We hope you witnessed your little ones exude excitement and pride during the concert—because these moments are what make our school community truly special.
See more photos here!